Rolling Four Lines

Suppose we have access to all our players (i.e. no injuries, Grand Rapids' kids etc). Who are we rolling and what do the lines look like? Keep in mind we're not taking into account potential. Just players' history, how they fit into the club and their chemistry with one another.

These lines are pretty self-explanatory. A nice mix of veterans and youth, skilled and physical players, all can produce, back-check and have shown chemistry with players on their respective lines. It's important to note that almost all of these players can be juggled and not miss a step. Also, Kindle has played great this season putting up a .24 ppg; although we've only gotten a taste of Smith, the kid plays like he's pissed off and has a nice flare to his game (which I think Kindle lacks) that would work well to the Wings advantage. I suppose the only question that remains is: why Commodore over Kindle? Simple, he's a big body and his value rises when playing big physical teams. This roster is dynamic, fast, a decent size and fairly similar to that which is currently first place overall.

Kindl looked awful yesterday. Then again, 95% of the team did. I like Commodore over Kindl because it is pretty rare you see Commodore make glaring mistakes like we saw from Kindl yesterday. In addition, Commodore's style of play is necessary in the playoffs. He's not a fancy guy, but he's gonna stay back and block shots, clear the crease, and keep guys honest. Kindl looked pretty good in the beginning of the year, but I think Commodore has looked better lately. I have to give credit where it is due, Hudler has looked solid lately. I'd rest Holmstrom periodically, so he is ready for a playoff run, potentially his last. I know this isn't a popular opinion on here, but I think a minor trade or two at the deadline need to be made if we want to make a serious run.

"Ice hockey is a form of disorderly conduct in which the score is kept."

I feel kind of sad saying this, but I think Miller makes the team better than Abdelkader does. Sure Abs hits things, and he does that well, but Miller does everything else better. Am I crazy here? I just hate that Miller and Eaves have to platoon the 4th line when they're both really great at what they do.

I feel kind of sad saying this, but I think Miller makes the team better than Abdelkader does. Sure Abs hits things, and he does that well, but Miller does everything else better. Am I crazy here? I just hate that Miller and Eaves have to platoon the 4th line when they're both really great at what they do.

Not really. Everything you said was true and my sense is that many others see it this way as well.